In NFL Week 2, the Green Bay Packers vs Atlanta Falcons game started strong for Green Bay. Jordan Love was dicing up the Atlanta defense, and the Packers defense was doing enough to hold the Falcons in check. Unfortunately, the Falcons got some key stops in the fourth quarter, and run defense continued to be a problem for the Packers.
While there were plenty of good things to take away from this game, the loss will certainly sting. With his first loss as the franchise quarterback, it’ll be interesting to see how Jordan Love and the Packers respond moving forward.
Green Bay Packers Collapse, Giving the Game to the Falcons | Packers vs Falcons Recap
Packers’ Offense Stalls Late
The Green Bay Packers’ offense was humming to start the second half. They had two touchdown drives and found themselves up 24-12 going into the fourth quarter. After that lost touchdown drive, however, the Packers’ final three drives ended in three straight three-and-outs.
Overall, the absences of Aaron Jones and Christian Watson were apparent, as were the holes on the left side of the offensive line. With Green Bay up two and under seven minutes remaining, AJ Dillon tripping over his own feet caused the Packers to have to punt. The Falcons would go on to score and would never look back.
Dillon tripped over his own feet multiple other times in this Packers vs Falcons matchup as well. As long as AJ Dillon is seeing consistent carries, this offense will continue to have one hand tied behind their back.
Offensive Grade: B
Packers’ Run Defense Continues to Struggle
Green Bay had multiple chances to get off the field against Atlanta throughout the game, but they struggled to do it consistently. From Jaire Alexander and Quay Walker dropping easy interceptions to Rashan Gary failing to contain or sack the quarterback, multiple players were to blame for too many miscues.
Of course, the biggest issue on defense, and in this Packers vs Falcons game, continues to be the Packers’ inability to defend the run. This will be something that needs to be corrected quickly, as Jamaal Williams returns to Green Bay next weekend.
The good news is that the Packers were able to generate chances to get off the field. Unfortunately, if they can’t make them consistently, they also won’t be able to win consistently either. It’ll be interesting to see if the Packers can generate more pressure against the Saints next week as they had just one single sack against Atlanta.
Defensive Grade: C+
New Orleans Saints vs Green Bay Packers Preview
The Packers now go back home to Lambeau Field for their home opener against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints outlasted the Tennessee Titans, 16-15, in Week 1. New Orleans faces off against the Carolina Panthers on Monday night, as they look to start the season 2-0.
The Saints offense has a new face leading the charge, with Derek Carr at quarterback. He will still make plenty of mistakes, but he’s an upgrade from Andy Dalton last year. Their defense is still led by their defensive line and defensive end Cameron Jordan. The defensive front will pose a challenge for the Packers’ rushing attack and offensive line. If Green Bay can protect Love and generate pressure of their own, they have a good chance at starting off 1-0 at home.
Prediction: Saints 24, Packers 20
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